Null's gaze lingered on Seraphel Lysandria longer than etiquette dictated. It wasn't irreverence; it was clinical curiosity.
Her elven ears—long, elegant. Peeked through pale-gold hair. Slender, tapered, unhidden by glamour or illusion.
'So, fantasy species like elves exist in this world,' He exhaled silently.
'Hardly a shock,' he amended dryly. 'Considering I'm hosting an omniscient system in my head, pointed ears are hardly a stretch.'
Yet, Seraphel was different. She didn't dominate the room; she simply anchored it. Reality seemed to have adjusted itself to her presence, rather than the other way around.
That stirred his curiosity.
'Alright,' he thought. 'Just a peek.'
'Let's see the numbers.'
«Activate: Existential Perception»
[Existential Perception: Target: Seraphel Lysandria]
Existence Classification:
• Holy-Type Entity
Designation:
• High Elf (Human Hybrid)
Threat Index:
• Very High — Non-Aggressive / Situational
Vital Status:
• Chronological Age: 312
• Biological Equivalent: Early 20's
• Lifespan Remaining: Indeterminate
Core Attributes:
• Strength: B+
• Defence: S
• Agility: B
• Stamina: SS
• Intelligence: SSS
• Mana Capacity: SSS
• Faith Resonance: SSS (Unique Metric)
-
Cross-referencing local power frameworks…
Applying Adventurer's Guild equivalency…
• Overall Capability: SSS-Rank
-
Unique Abilities:
1. Divine Decree — Issues absolute commands that reality itself must obey for a brief duration. Can declare "Let there be light in darkness," "Let the dead speak truth," or "Let evil find no purchase here," forcing the world to comply.
2. Tongue of Angels — Speaks in the pure language of creation itself. Words carry physical weight—blessings become tangible shields, condemnations manifest as burning brands, and prayers reshape reality around their meaning.
3. Habemus Papam: Ascendant — Temporary semi-divine elevation, massively amplifying all holy effects.
4. Divine Intercession — Acts as a direct conduit for pure divine energy, allowing for divine miracles and temporary suspension of natural laws through direct petition to Divine spirits.
Learned Skills / Spells (Partial):
Divine Providence | Saint Summoning | Holy Baptism | Purgatorial Prison | Litany of Unending Grace | Cathedral of Light | Absolution of the Penitent | Crown of Martyrs | Hymn of Immutable Faith | Holy School of Arts etc.
'SSS across the board,' Null noted. 'Figures.'
***
Seraphel folded her hands, her expression mild. "We must decide where you stand, Null. And more importantly, where you reside."
Elder Ozag straightened at once. "Your Holiness—"
She lifted a finger.
"Let us speak plainly," Seraphel continued, her gaze sharpening. "This world devours the unprepared. Monsters roam beyond borders. Politics parade the naive. Even faith, when mishandled, can kill."
"To remain as you are—unawakened, untrained—would be irresponsible. Not just to us but also to yourself."
Null nodded. "I had a feeling the tutorial wouldn't stay optional."
"Tutorial?" Sora murmured, confused.
"Never mind," he shifted his eyes awkwardly.
"Er..."
"Just address me as your holiness." Seraphel gave a light laugh.
"Alright. So what are you proposing? Miss holiness."
Though taken aback by his distinctive tone of address. Seraphel nonetheless stated, "Residence within the Divine Sanctum is the only path,"
Elder Ozag turned toward Null. "The Sanctum is not merely a refuge. It is a crucible. Those who dwell here are shaped by discipline, expectation, and responsibility."
"I was worried it might be comfortable," Null said retrospectively.
That earned him a sharp look from Ozag—and the faintest glimmer of amusement from Seraphel.
"You should understand that strength in this world is not optional. Survival demands it. Influence requires it. Even mercy depends upon it."
Sora's hands clenched slightly at her sides for some reason.
"Normally," Seraphel said, "otherworlders arrive with a Sacred Gift—a blessing and a shortcut. You did not. you must awaken your supernatural potential. And gain strength like natives of this world do. Through effort. Discipline. Risk."
"No cheat codes, i guess" Null catalogued. "Just grit and existential dread."
Sora blinked. "I don't think that last one is part of the process."
"It's the secret ingredient". he replied dryly, recalling how it always turns out in fictional anime and novels.
Seraphel inclined her head. "Your training will not be without guidance. Elder Ozag, along with select members of the Divine Church, will oversee your awakening and foundational instruction. The trials will be arduous. Be prepared."
"And if I survive all that?."
"Then, you will gain sufficient strength to choose your own path in this world."
Null offered a small, genuine smile. "Sounds fair."
"Then it is settled. You will reside within the Sanctum."
"And now," Seraphel added, her tone softening, "Enough of grim necessities."
Then, with a warm expression. She called, "Sora."
Sora blinked, her posture snapping back to attention. "M-Master?"
"The Empire did not inconvenience you, right? You were away longer than anticipated."
"No, Master. The Empire was accommodating."
Seraphel rose, her robes whispering like light against stone. "Come. We shall speak further—over tea."
***
The gazebo overlooked the cloud sea, with sunlight filtering through hanging veils of prayer-thread. A teapot rested between them, steam curling lazily upward.
Seraphel took her seat first, unhurried, serene. Sora followed, posture impeccable—at least until her master spoke.
"Sora" As seraphel poured the tea, she spoke with deceptive casualness. "What do you think of him?"
Sora nearly fumbled her cup. "I… don't know."
"He seems normal. On the surface."
"On the surface?" Seraphel glanced up, one elegant brow lifting.
"How do I put it…" Sora looked away, a faint flush creeping up her neck. "He feels… mysterious."
Seraphel's lips curved. "What's this? Has my disciple been charmed by that boy?"
"No—! Th-That's not it," Sora protested with embarrassment. "I'm just saying he's difficult to read. That's all."
"Hehe." Seraphel covered her smile with her teacup. "I see. I see."
Sora groaned softly. "Master…"
Seraphel sipped her tea. "Still, I must admit: in three centuries, I have never encountered a person as beautiful as that boy. His appearance almost rivals my own disciple's celestial beauty."
Sora froze, then visibly combusted. "Master! Stop teasing me!"
Seraphel's laughter was soft and delighted. "Ara? Why are you getting so flustered? This is unexpected."
"Did he crack you so quickly? My, my. Isn't this a bit fast?"
That's not—!" Sora covered her face with both hands. "You're being unfair."
She tapped her chin playfully. "I sent you to retrieve a variable, not to have my Saintess undone in a single interaction."
"I'm not undone," Sora muttered into her tea.
"Mm-hm. Then I shall look forward to observing this perfectly composed disciple of mine."
Sora peeked through her teacup, mortified. "You're enjoying this far too much."
"Hehehe. Opportunities like this do not come often, especially considering it is my disciple. Your heart has been a isolated fortress since that… tragic incident."
Sora fell silent, the embarrassment fading into a somber quiet. Seraphel watched her for a moment before shifting her tone to something more maternal.
"Did you visit your parents while you were in the Empire?"
Sora's fingers tightened around the porcelain. "…No."
Seraphel sighed. "You are hopeless, Sora. You are on midterm break from the Academy, yet you treat rest like a heresy."
"Master, I—"
"Do you have any idea how many letters Duke Luminous has sent me?"
Sora's shoulders twitched. "…Many?"
"Too many," Seraphel voiced dryly. "Each one more polite than the last. Each one more concerned. He has requested—very politely—that I convince a certain stubborn daughter of his to return home at least once."
Sora winced. "Father shouldn't trouble you."
"He is your father; Troubling me is well within his rights." Seraphel leaned forward. "I know you want to grow stronger. You want revenge and answers. But do not mistake distance for resolve. Remember, the love and support of family can be a guiding light, even when circumstances pull us in different directions."
Sora bowed her head, guilt ridden. "I didn't mean to avoid them."
"I know," Seraphel assured softly. "Which is why I am persuading you instead of scolding."
"You have a month before the academy resumes. Go home. Let them see you as their daughter, not as a girl chasing the past."
Sora swallowed, then nodded. "Understood, Master. I will visit them by the end of the break."
Seraphel smiled, reaching out to tap Sora's forehead. "Good."